Attractions in Gloucestershire

Batsford Arboretum is one of the jewels of the Cotswolds and one of the largest private collections of trees and shrubs in the country. Situated one and a quarter miles west of Moreton-in-Marsh, Batsford Arboretum is tucked away on a south facing escarpment of the famous Cotswold Hills. The arboretum is a treasure of rare and unusual plants and trees and there is a focus on conservation and planning for the future.

Berkeley CastleBerkeley GL13 9QB

Berkeley Castle is one of the most remarkable buildings in Britain and possibly the most outstanding example of Mediaeval domestic architecture in the country. Berkeley is an unspoilt Norman fortress with an enclosing curtain wall, built and enlarged through the mediaeval period and beyond into a secure, comfortable, substantial home. Berkeley has events on throughout the year for all the family.

Bibury Trout FarmBibury, Cirencester GL7 5NL

Bibury Trout Farm is one of Britain's oldest, and certainly most attractive, trout farms. Children of all ages will delight in seeing the trout leap out of the water in their quest for food. A large variety of other wildlife abounds on the Farm - cygnets and ducklings are a very popular sight in the Spring. The play area will keep the children amused while parents enjoy refreshments at the terrace cafe.

Birdland Park and GardensRissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN

Established in 1957, Birdland is a natural setting inhabited by over 500 birds from around the world, including the only King Penguins in England and over 50 aviaries of parrots, falcons, pheasants, hornbills, toucans and many more. Tropical, Desert and Toucan Houses are home to the more delicate species.

Come and visit a spectacular Model Railway Exhibition and traditional Toyshop, established over 25 years and housed in a period farmhouse, situated right in the centre of the picturesque Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water. This well stocked model and toyshop boasts a comprehensive Model Railway Section specialising in British and Continental OO/HO and N Gauge, with a full selection of scenic accessories available.

The Butts Farm Shop is part of a working farm where, for many years, we have bred a wide range of rare breed animals to promote the exceptional benefits of rare breed meat, home cured bacon, superb sausages, local vegetables, eggs and home produce. All our stock is raised traditionally, in a natural stress-free environment and handled with care and consideration producing meat of outstanding quality and flavour, which is pure, simple and delicious.

Cheltenham Art Gallery and MuseumClarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT

The Museum's collections include paintings, drawings, sculpture, archaeology, local and social history, and objects from all over the world. The Summerfield Galleries contain displays of paintings, furniture and everyday objects from the medieval period to the present day.

Cheltenham Race CoursePrestbury Park, Cheltenham GL50 4SH

Cheltenham plays host to the best jumping action in the world from 350 spectacular acres in the lee of the beautiful Cotswold Hills. The racing, the setting, the tradition and history, the shared sense of enjoyment all combine to give everyone, from those sampling our finest hospitality to the race goers on the course, an experience they'll never forget.

Clearwell CavesNr Coleford, Royal Forest of Dean GL16 8JR

For thousands of years iron ore has been mined at Clearwell Caves. The caves are now a working mining museum run by father and son team Ray and Jonathan Wright. Visitors can see impressive caverns with geological and mining displays. Iron ore from the Caves has been used over many centuries to make tools, weapons and machinery.

Corinium MuseumPark Street, Cirencester GL7 2BX

At the Corinium Museum visitors can trace the story of the Cotswolds from Prehistory to the late 19th Century, with hands-on exhibits, interactive displays and a wealth of precious artefacts. There are animated and practical games, and audio-visual screens to bring the past to life for everyone from schoolchildren to grandparents. Special emphasis is placed on the town's Roman heritage, reflecting Cirencester's importance as the second biggest Roman town, Corinium, outside London.

Cotswold Falconry CentreBatsford Park, Moreton-in Marsh GL56 9QB

The centre runs a range of training courses which are designed to suit most ages and interests whether you are a beginner, feel you may wish to take up the practice, want a day in the field with an experienced falconer or just want to have some fun! These courses are extremely popular so please check availability.

Cotswold Farm ParkGuiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5UG

Cotswold Farm Park was established in 1971 and can be aptly described as a pageant of history on four legs. Alongside our serious aims of conservation and education, visitors of all ages will find themselves easily entertained. On display is an unrivalled collection of rare breeds of British farm animals including sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, horses, poultry and waterfowl. Step into living history with our outdoor and indoor animal displays and daily demonstrations.

Situated in the beautiful Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water, the Cotswold Motoring Museum is an interesting journey through the 20th Century. The main focus is on motoring, however the Museum is full of the everyday paraphernalia that made motoring so popular including picnic sets from the 1920s, alongside caravans, radio sets, gramophones and knitted swimsuits.

Cotswold Woollen WeaversFilkins, Lechlade GL7 3JJ

Cotswold Woollen Weavers is a traditional working mill housed in splendid 18th century buildings. The industrial revolution comes alive as age old skills spin and weave fleece into wonderful woollen fabric. There are permanent exhibition areas, a coffee shop and picnic area. The well- stocked mill shop offers a wide range of garments, knitwear, cloth and accessories, which are all woven on the premises. There is also a stone masonry centre and stone gallery for architectural and garden items in local limestone.

Dean Forest RailwayForest Road, Lydney GL15 4ET

The Dean Forest Railway, based near Lydney, provides the sight, sounds and smells of travel on a rural branch line from a bygone era. A standard gauge heritage railway operated by steam trains, as well as the occasional heritage diesel or diesel railcar. The round trip is over 8 miles. Norchard Station has a free museum, gift shop and café.

Dean Heritage CentreCamp Mill, Soudley, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB

Discover the story of the Forest, in the heart of the Forest. Step out into the woodland to experience the lives of charcoal burners, traditional cottage-dwellers, and free miners. Indoors, the museum tells the history of a beautiful Forest formed by an industrial past. It reveals a unique culture which visitors will find hard to forget. A great place to start your visit to the Forest!

Dick Whittington Farm ParkLittle London, Longhope GL17 0PH

Come to Dick Whittington Farm Park and visit the farm animals, small pets, aquarium and reptiles, large indoor soft play area, pedal karts, nature trails, cafe and much more!

Drive South West39 Rosedale Gardens,Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 9TL

Drive a Porsche around Gloucestershire! Sports cars deserve to be driven to be appreciated, and what better way to do that than a scenic drive in the South West. Hire our Porsche, book into Whitminster House Holiday Cottages and make it a weekend to remember! The whole of the South West is easily accessible from our Wiltshire base.

Dunkirk Mill Centre6 Castle Villas, Nailsworth GL5 2HP

Dunkirk Mill Centre and The Weaving Shed, Gigg Mill. Both near Nailsworth, Gloucestershire. See working machinery making woollen cloth as in Victorian times. Part driven by a large waterwheel. Mills open specific times in the summer, Easter to the end of September. Parties by appointment. Contact Ian Mackintosh 01453 766273 or imack@btopenworld.com.

Eastnor CastleLedbury HR8 1RL

Eastnor Castle is the home of the Hervey-Bathurst family. It is to be found in the dramatic setting of the Malvern Hills and is surrounded by a beautiful deer park, arboretum and lake.

Gloucester Antiques Centre has five floors packed with antiques and collectables of all descriptions. We have over 100 individual dealers selling items ranging from furniture, porcelain, glassware, fine silver, jewellery to cards, stamps, toys, linen, fabrics, clocks and many other decorative antiques.

Gloucester Cathedral2 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LR

Visitors are most welcome to the Cathedral, either to attend a service and to hear the wonderful choir, or to attend any of the events or concerts. Or you are welcome to come and visit and experience the architecture of the building. There is a gift shop and a coffee shop where you can buy a souvenir or relax.

The Museum's displays are housed in a fine Victorian Building in the heart of the City and contain many items of national and international importance. Among the spectacular collection are the archaeological finds, fine and decorative arts, and natural history specimens representing Gloucester's rich heritage. As well as fascinating Roman and Mediaeval displays there are dinosaurs, fossils, paintings, clocks, furniture, the stunning Birdlip Mirror and lots more.

Gloucester DocksGloucester GL1

The former dock estate has become a popular destination where visitors can enjoy museums and refreshment places or just wander around the quays, looking at a variety of historic buildings and interesting vessels on the water.

Gloucester Folk Museum99-103 Westgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2PG

Gloucester Folk Museum is one of the oldest-established museums dedicated to social history. The collections have been drawn together mainly through gifts from Gloucestershire residents, and represent one of the most fascinating collections of such material.

Historic warehouse packed with rich collections and 21st century displays. Climb aboard heritage boats, delve into the world of Gloucester's Victorian docks and meet the people and the wildlife of our wonderful waterways. Lots to see and do for all the family, plus well-stocked shop and café. Open daily, April to Oct, 10am to 5pm, Nov to March, 11am to 4pm. Under 5s free. Group discounts available. Visit website for prices, details of boat trips, events and activities.

The GWR is an all-volunteer steam and diesel heritage railway in the English Cotswolds. Since 1981, the volunteers have restored over 10 miles of line, together with platforms, buildings, steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock. In addition to a scheduled service, the GWR hosts a number of galas, enthusiasts' events and events for all the family throughout the year.

Go Ape! Forest of DeanMallards Pike Lake, Forest of Dean GL15 4HD

Think you, your friends and family can handle 3 hours of tree top adventure? Are you wild enough to climb 30ft up a rope ladder, Tarzan Swing into a giant rope net then zip wire through trees, crawl through tunnels and tackle high wire rope bridges? If the answer's YES! you're ready to Go Ape. Minimum age: 10 years; minimum height: 1.40m. Under 18 year olds must be supervised by a participating adult. To watch people Go Ape! and to book, visit our web site.

Hailes AbbeyWinchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5PB

Hailes Abbey is a 13th-century Cistercian abbey. It was founded in 1246 and was once a celebrated site of pilgrimage. You can view the ruins of the abbey with its dramatic cloister arches. There is also a small museum. The abbey is managed by English Heritage.

Hidcote Manor GardenHidcote Bartrim, Chipping Campden GL55 6LR

Hidcote Manor Garden is a celebrated 20th-century garden in the beautiful north Cotswolds. It could be described as one of England's greatest gardens, and consists of a series of outdoor rooms each with its own unique character. There are old roses, unusual plants and trees from around the world. The manor is nestled in the Cotswolds with stunning panoramas across the Vale of Evesham.

Holst Birthplace Museum4 Clarence Road, Cheltenham GL52 2AY

The Holst Birthplace Museum is a Regency terrace house where Gustav Holst, composer of 'The Planets' was born in 1874. The story of the man and his music is told alongside a fascinating display of personal belongings including his piano. The museum is also a fine period house showing the upstairs/downstairs way of life in times past, including a working Victorian kitchen and laundry, elegant Regency drawing room and charming Edwardian nursery.

The World of Mechanical Music is set in the beautiful Cotswolds. It is a unique collection of self-playing musical instruments presented as a live entertainment. Here are also what has been described as "the best gift shop in the Cotswolds", and the world famous restoration workshops, which serve discerning collectors from all over the world.

Kelmscott ManorKelmscott, Lechlade GL7 3HJ

Kelmscott Manor, at one point the home of the famous Victorian designer and philanthropist William Morris, is a Grade 1 listed Tudor farmhouse adjacent to the River Thames. Built in the late 1500s, the Manor is constructed of local limestone on the edge of the village of Kelmscott. It contains an outstanding collection of family possessions including furniture, original textiles, pictures, carpets, ceramics and metalwork.

Kiftsgate Court GardensMickleton, Chipping Campden GL55 6LN

Kiftsgate Court Gardens is a series of interconnecting gardens each with its distinct character and secrets. They are a plantsman's delight reflecting the pleasure the family has had in collecting species from all over the world. At any time of the year there is something of interest to draw you back again and again.

Mill Dene GardenSchool Lane, Blockley, Moreton-in- Marsh GL56 9HU

Mill Dene Garden has been lovingly constructed by Barry and Wendy Dare when, early in their married life, they discovered this beautiful half-derelict Cotswold water mill. It is a very personal garden, one of peace and tranquillity. The air is usually heavily scented as priority is given to scented plants. The air is also woven with the sound of water which comes and goes intriguingly as one moves around the garden.

Come and discover the fascinating history of England's inland waterways at three contrasting locations. Canals have been part of British life for over 200 years: visit the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port, Gloucester Docks and Stoke Bruerne to find out how and why they were built. Through interactive displays, recordings of former dock and canal workers, archive film footage and exhibits you can explore the fascinating story of this revolutionary transport system. Visit the collection of historic boats, the largest in the world, and discover what life was like living and working on the canals and rivers.

Nature in ArtWallsworth Hall, A38 Twigworth, Gloucester GL2 9PA

The world's only museum dedicated to all kinds of art inspired by nature. Displays embrace 2D and 3D work in all mediums and styles from across the world, spanning 1500 years. Typically, you'll find exotic oriental treasures and watercolour landscapes, the Flemish masters and contemporary glass - yet you'll certainly make some discoveries too. During all opening hours (Feb - Nov), you can meet an artist as they demonstrate their work, which could range from painting to woodcarving. As well as a vibrant programme of temporary exhibitions, there's a sculpture garden, a coffee shop, children's indoor and outdoor activities, a gift shop and free parking.

Out of the Hat100 Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5AB

Out of the Hat is a new heritage and visitor centre brought to you by Tewkesbury Borough Council. The visitor centre has been born out of a 17th century building, lovingly restored, renovated and enhanced. It houses the Tourist Information Centre on the ground floor, and the two upper storeys incorporate interactive displays, games, information panels and much more.

Painswick Rococo GardenPainswick GL6 6TH

Situated outside the beautiful Cotswold town of Painswick, and famous for its snowdrop display, the Rococo Garden is a fascinating step back to a flamboyant and sensual period of English Garden Design. This gem of a garden, which was originally laid out in the early 18th century, is set in a hidden Cotswold valley with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

Slimbridge Wetland CentreSlimbridge GL2 7BT

Slimbridge is home to an astounding array of wildlife including the world's largest collection of swans, geese, and ducks. A year round programme of walks, arts, events, workshops, talks and spectacular wildlife encounters are a fantastic way for everyone to connect to their natural surroundings.

Snowshill ManorSnowshill, Broadway WR12 7JU

Snowshill Manor is a traditional golden-yellow Cotswold house set in a delightful village above the Vale of Evesham. It is home to the life's work of eccentric architect, artist and craftsman Charles Paget Wade. It has a stunning collection of craftsmanship and design from across the globe. The manor has a terraced hillside garden, designed as a series of rooms and run on organic principles.

The Museum portrays the history of Gloucester's famous regiment, The Gloucestershire Regiment, their antecedents The 28th & 61st Regiments of Foot and The Royal Gloucestershire Hussars. There is something for everyone here from researchers to young children, from detailed archives and research facilities to children's quizzes that help to explore and explain the displays. Visitors can experience what it was like for soldiers and their families throughout the last three hundred years of military service.

St Augustine's FarmArlingham, Gloucester GL2 7JN

St Augustine's is real working organic dairy farm of over 100 acres in the Severn Vale, where the everyday farm life will go on around you. Watch the cows being milked in a herringbone parlour every afternoon, talk to the farmer as he works and find out where your milk comes from. Help feed the baby calves and visit the farm animals in the paddocks. Follow the farm trail to see over 50 acres of wildlife in its natural habitat.

Stanway House and FountainStanway, Cheltenham GL54 5PQ

Stanway is an outstandingly beautiful example of a Jacobean manor house and is currently the home of Lord and Lady Neidpath. The house, the jewel-like Gatehouse, the church and 14th-century Tithe Barn, the 18th-century water-garden, the specimen trees and avenues, the surrounding villages, farms, parkland and woodland - all subtly and harmoniously combine to create an enclave of very English and almost magical harmony.

Sudeley Castle Gardens and ExhibitionsWinchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5JD

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Cotswold Hills, Sudeley Castle is steeped in history. With royal connections spanning a thousand years, it is now the family home of the Dent-Brocklehursts and Lord & Lady Ashcombe. The family are dedicated to Sudeley's continued restoration, and the regeneration of the gardens with particular emphasis on conservation and sustainability.

The museum is open all year round and admission is free. The displays are in the cells, the police office and the former magistrates' court. They show a selection of uniforms, photos, documents, equipment and more.

Tewkesbury AbbeyAbbey Office, Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5RZ

Located at the southern edge of the old town of Tewksbury, the Abbey quietly dominates the land and skyline with its long nave. Construction of the present Abbey started in 1102. The Abbey is a major centre for all kinds of events from orchestras, choirs and choral groups to Shakespearean performances. Visitors are most welcome.

The Barn Owl Centre is a UK registered charity, their mission is the advancement of conservation of the Barn Owl & other species of Owl through environmental projects, research, studies & other such activities that will help to enhance public education on the ecology & preservation of Owls. Their pre-booked Flying Experiences operate daily throughout the year, so for a hands-on experience come and visit.

The Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen is dedicated to promoting contemporary designer crafts. A permanent Gallery in Painswick provides the opportunity to buy members' work all the year round.

The Model VillageBourton-on-the-Water GL54 2AF

The Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water can be found behind the Old New Inn and is a one ninth scale model of Bourton-on-the-Water. Here you will find the river Windrush with its distinctive bridges, the beeches, willows and chestnuts all in miniature. In the churches you can even hear the choirs! The buildings in the Model Village are constructed and maintained in Cotswold stone from the local quarry.

The Museum in the ParkStratford Park, Stroud GL5 4AF

The Museum in the Park is set in Stratford Park in the centre of Stroud. It is housed in a 17th century wool merchant's mansion. Objects and colourful displays celebrate the rich history and heritage of the Stroud District. The Museum welcomes families and children and has something to offer visitors of all ages.

Wellington Aviation MuseumBourton Road, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0BG

This small Museum is dedicated to all those who served or who passed through RAF Moreton-in-Marsh, on one of the many training courses for RAF Bomber Command. Though the airfield is now a fire training station, the memory of the base is kept alive in the museum with its vast range of artefacts from the war years and beyond.

WestonbirtThe National Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is one of the most spectacular tree gardens in the world, covering six hundred acres. An historical collection of over 3,000 different trees and shrub species many of which are rare or endangered in their native lands. The arboretum is an inspiring place to relax and get back to nature.

Woodchester MansionNympsfield, Stonehouse, Stroud GL10 3TS

Woodchester Mansion is a Victorian architectural masterpiece, abandoned by its builders before it could be completed. It has been virtually untouched by time since the mid-1870s, and today offers a unique opportunity to tour and explore a Gothic building in mid-assembly. The Mansion is in a secluded 400-acre landscape park of great beauty, sheltering an abundance of wildlife and rare-breed grazing stock. Woodland walks snake around its five man-made lakes.